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Snarky Brides

I made a fake username because I need your advice....

But my problem is utterly humiliating and, frankly, I care too much about what people think of me to let you all know who I am. Maybe I need to swallow my pride and not be so secretive but atm my ego is badly bruised & I just need some advice. I can't talk to any of my friends or family about the issue, so I'm hoping you can all help me out...

Here is the abridged version:

FI and I are super busy- he works crazy hours (usually gone most of the week) and I am a busy student with a part time job and tons of academic commitments. That combined with wedding planning, house searching, and multiple family issues makes for very little "intimate" time for the two of us. We haven't had sex in months (We tried once a few weeks ago and it was literally so terrible that we just stopped. That has never happened before!)

Most of the time, I understand that this is because we are exhausted, he isn't home, our schedules are opposite, etc. But when we DO have the opportunity for some alone time, he would rather watch TV or surf the internet. Our quality time consists of us sitting together on the couch with our computers in our laps. If I do try to initiate something, I usually get turned down, so I stopped trying. Now if it was just his  pure exhaustion that was causing this, I would be able to tolerate it. But he seems to avoid sex even when we have a day off together. So today I'm feeling all hormonal and ugly, and start to question his faithfulness.... so I did the unthinkable and (GASP!) snooped in his facebook and e-mail. I already feel a teensy bit guilty for that. I found emails to and from an adult site that he has been paying for (for several months).

Now if it had been something he just took advantage of while we were apart, I would have no problem with it. But from what I've seen, he's been looking at porn on the SAME days that he's been turning me down! WTF?! Now I'm not suggesting that he has a creepy porn addiction or anything- it's really not all that frequent (that I know of, at least). But I'm just wondering why he would rather look at girls on a computer screen than me. He will literally look at porn an hour after turning me down. Maybe it bothers me more than it should but it seriously is tearing me up- I literally feel sick. I'm an attractive person, and I'm always willing to try new things and be fun in bed. If it was boring, vanilla all the time then I could understand too-- But the only reason our sex life is boring is because he never wants to do it!!

I'm trying not to overreact (and call me out if I am, please)... But it has literally been months! And I keep thinking, is this what marriage is going to be like?? I love my fiance, but this is not a life I am okay with. Things aren't going to get any less busy anytime soon. And I can't shake the feeling that he has been talking/flirting with someone else... maybe he just did a good job of hiding the evidence. Ugh. I just want to cry...

ETA: Spelling and grammar errors

Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....

  • Porn is not the problem.  Porn is the reaction.
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  • I'm sorry you're going through this.  Sex is one of those things where when things are normal, it's not a big deal at all, but when something is wrong, it grows into this enormous, life-sucking force.  

    You need to sit down and talk to your FI.  Keeping all of this inside is just going to make things seem worse.  If you have to, schedule sex.  Talk to him about his lack of interest and figure out what's going on.

    I hate to say it, but I could've written this post about XH and myself before the wedding.  We didn't talk it out (beyond his snide comments about the lack of sex) and it just grew and grew.

    Good luck.
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  • NebbNebb member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    1) talk to him
    2) suggest you watch the porn together
    3) dont snoop again.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_i-made-a-fake-username-because-i-need-your-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:37e0f0a2-db2f-462c-9291-0df92ff8f004Post:edeb2302-581c-41dc-9994-a4abd6f5f8c1">Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....</a>:
    [QUOTE]Porn is not the problem.  Porn is the reaction.
    Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

    You're right! I guess I just need to figure out what the problem is...
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_i-made-a-fake-username-because-i-need-your-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:37e0f0a2-db2f-462c-9291-0df92ff8f004Post:b73b337a-76c9-4660-9768-0ed861afa5c5">Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....</a>:
    [QUOTE]What kind of porn is he looking at? I mean there is porn and there is ew porn. The type might change my response.
    Posted by Dot Dash[/QUOTE]

    Not really ew porn... It's kind of girls-gone-wild style stuff. I think that's normal guy porn right??
  • Blue is right. 

    You seem to be handling this well, in my opinion. I think you just need to talk to him about it. It's hard for me to guess what the problem is, but after talking to him you should have a much better idea. I hope your discussion goes well and you're able to work something out.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_i-made-a-fake-username-because-i-need-your-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:37e0f0a2-db2f-462c-9291-0df92ff8f004Post:136e48a0-8549-4f7e-abce-238537c1a76f">Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....</a>:
    [QUOTE]1) talk to him 2) suggest you watch the porn together 3) dont snoop again.
    Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

    <div>4. Tell us who you are, because I'm nosey.</div><div>
    </div><div>Honestly though, I'm going to ditto everyone else. And it does seem like you're being realistic about this, so I give you credit for that!</div>
  • I am sorry you're having to deal with this. I definitely suggest talking to your FI about it.

    I also am wondering about what made it so bad when you last tried....

    Was it awkward or painful just because you guys hadn't done it in a while? Or like Dot asked, a stamina issue?
  • edited August 2012
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_i-made-a-fake-username-because-i-need-your-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:37e0f0a2-db2f-462c-9291-0df92ff8f004Post:d9ba1597-2d6f-4528-882d-4939e2fb86ea">Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....</a>:
    [QUOTE]When you initiate, is his body responsive to your advances? I know you two are busy with life, but there are health reasons why the sex could be lacking as well.  What made it so bad when you guys tried a few weeks ago? I also ditto Nebb's 3-step approach.
    Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]

    He is responsive when he wants to be, if that makes sense. Before I was upset, I was concerned, and I've tried asking him if he is okay, if there is anything I can do for him, etc. He says he is just tired, but if he is so tired then why does he stay up later to avoid sex with me (and take care of business himself??) Also, I try really hard to show him how much I appreciate how hard he works, and when we are together I am constantly giving him massages, cooking for him, and doing sweet things for him. He is still affectionate occasionally...He doesn't completely shut me out, he just doesn't want anything to do with sex. When we tried it was just like we didn't "click"... I guess I was a little pissy because he didn't seem into it, so that made me not so into it. There really wasn't any one thing, just a bad vibe between us.

    ETA: Definitely not a stamina issue. Maybe more of an emotional distance issue.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_i-made-a-fake-username-because-i-need-your-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:37e0f0a2-db2f-462c-9291-0df92ff8f004Post:69864946-a0ad-44a1-b8aa-e3d54c133d7d">Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....</a>:
    [QUOTE]I have to say I would have be pretty worried if my FI wasn't interested in sex. Does he seem to be upset about the lack of sex?
    Posted by Dot Dash[/QUOTE]

    Nope, not really. That's part of what bothers me so much. But he's not a huge "feelings" person, so maybe it does bother him & he just won't talk about it.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_i-made-a-fake-username-because-i-need-your-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:37e0f0a2-db2f-462c-9291-0df92ff8f004Post:c2fd5e69-0646-4cde-96ba-11b04010ad2d">Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice.... : He is responsive when he wants to be, if that makes sense. Before I was upset, I was concerned, and I've tried asking him if he is okay, if there is anything I can do for him, etc. He says he is just tired, but if he is so tired then why does he stay up later to avoid sex with me (and take care of business himself??) Also, I try really hard to show him how much I appreciate how hard he works, and when we are together I am constantly giving him massages, cooking for him, and doing sweet things for him. He is still affectionate occasionally...He doesn't completely shut me out, he just doesn't want anything to do with sex. When we tried it was just like we didn't "click"... I guess I was a little pissy because he didn't seem into it, so that made me not so into it. There really wasn't any one thing, just a bad vibe between us. <strong>ETA: Definitely not a stamina issue. Maybe more of an emotional distance issue.</strong>
    Posted by secretsdontmakefriends[/QUOTE]

    Is the lack of sex a consequence of the emotional distance, or is it the other way around?

    Also, how long has this been going on? You said you hadn't had sex in months, but were things relatively normal before that?

    In my experience, all people (and all relationships, for that matter) experience sexual ups and downs or waxing and waning... however you want to look at it.  The fact that you guys haven't been having a ton of sex lately doesn't seem like too much cause for worry as long as, when you look back over your relationship, it's the exception and not the rule.

    He may just be going through a phase where he's not interested in sex (goodness knows I've been through that myself a few times) but he still finds that he needs an occasional release for purely physical reasons.  In those situations, porn (and masturbation) are easier than sex, right?  He doesn't have to worry about your pleasure or be self-conscious or anything like that.

    I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't worry if this phase hasn't lasted long in the scope of your whole relationship.  It'll get better again.
  • Blue is right.  So is Nebb.

    The drive is going to be inconsistent over time, but if it has been months since both of you were satisfied with the frequency and intimacy of your sex life, then you need to address it now.  Waiting for the wedding to fix it won't work - you will be more months down the same road with no solution, and an even bigger problem.  Is it physical?  Emotional?  Is there an issue no one will address head-on, such as extreme weight gain, physical turn-off, etc? 

    Life, job stress, conflicting schedules happen.  You and FI need to figure this out before the wedding, or reconsider going through with it.

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  • I definitely think there is a difference between the two things you seem worried about: not having sex and the porn and I doubt one is because of the other.

    I would talk to him but I'd also not be able to hold feelings like that in.
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  • Definitely talk about it. My FI (before we were engaged) would have rather gone out to stip clubs, go out drinking with friends every night, and would've rather watched porn instead of even looking at me. We actually broke up over all of this, and then got back together. We have been back together for quite some time and things have definitely changed. He never knew that it hurt me that he would've rather been out acting drunk (and he is stupid when he drinks), and watching porn. The only way he knew is because he asked why I left him before- and I told him.
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  • Here is just a thought....and I could be wrong.
    You meantioned there are alot of stresses going on at the moment and on top of that you're both busy with work/school. I'm not saying this would be a good excuse, but maybe watching porn is his "getaway" from reality. He's probably very attracted to you still but associates you with the stresses. When he watches porn, he's not connected to anything or anyone in the video. Maybe instead of sitting on the couch, get away from the house and go for a walk. Flirt along the way. Distract his mind. Being stuck on the couch watching tv doesn't do much for the mind and it certainly doesn't do anything for the limbido.
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  • I agree with everyone that said you need to talk to him. He isnt a mind reader, he doesnt know how you are feeling, you need to let him know.
  • I agree with many of the PPs.  Even though it may be awkward and embarrassing, you two really need to sit down and have a big discussion about this.  Let him know how you feel when he doesn't want to have sex.  I don't think guys always realize how something like that can make you feel unattractive or undesirable. 

    Many people go through sex ruts.  When husband and I went through one, I know it was hard to get started again because we weren't in our "routine" or whatever.  It didn't feel as natural and hurt.  Sex is one of those things that (in my experience) you don't always want as much if you have gone without it for awhile.  You kind of need to push through that and have sex even if you (or he) isn't 100% in the mood until things get back to normal.

    Also, maybe he is kind of apprehensive to have sex again after that one awkward time?  Maybe it took a shot to his ego and he is scared that it will happen again if he tries.

    Also, I don't think his is looking at porn because he prefers that to you.  Like some PPs said, it is probably just easier.  He doesn't have to worry about upsetting you like last time, or experiencing any awkwardness.

    Sit down and talk with him and I hope everything works out!
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_i-made-a-fake-username-because-i-need-your-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:37e0f0a2-db2f-462c-9291-0df92ff8f004Post:d8df7cc0-c9dd-4d83-82f6-81a94da353e0">Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice....</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: I made a fake username because I need your advice.... : Is that a new dance?
    Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]

    LOL...maybe. This is what happens when I try to do too much multitasking at work. I make up new words!
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  • I  haven't read all of the responses, but OP, I've been in the same situation as you before with my ex. My personal opinion? Porn is really not a big deal at all. Spending money (and lots of it) to view it or interact with others online is what's not OK.

    This situation is disheartening, of course, but definitely to talk to your FI. Be honest about snooping (and never snoop again). Opening the lines of communication should help immensely. He may not even realize he's making you feel this way! On one of your days off together, maybe you should take a trip to buy some items to spice things up, too! ;-) Good luck! Things will work out.
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  • My FI's advice, "Don't talk to him about it. Just put on some crazy sexy get up and not take no for an answer. Porn is completely different than sex. He watches porn because it can't turn him down or be disappointed with him. Its been so long that he probably feels like he's going to be bad at it." 


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  • We've had the same problem to expect I was the one not putting out. My FI had to be incredibly persistent for anything to happen. For a while, I didn't enjoy it as much as I used to. But you guys will get back in the swing of things again.
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